LIVERMORE FALLS – The cost of the proposed bike and walk path along Foundry Road is estimated at about $228,000. The municipal and federal money already allotted for the path is $204,000, with any amount over that falling back on the town.

Town Manager Martin Puckett said that the cost estimate is the engineer’s so the bids may come in lower or higher than projected.

However, there still would be no money coming from taxpayers, Puckett said; the increase would be covered by a trust fund left for recreation purposes and leftover money from a previous recreation project. If the project cost is as estimated, $24,000 would come from those accounts.

A special town meeting would be needed for voters decide if they want to appropriate the funds, Puckett said.

The town was initially responsible for $28,000, and the federal grant contribution was for $176,000, he said. The town’s portion was appropriated by voters from rollover grant funds from a previous project.

But with increased costs, including paving, and new requirements since the project was initiated in 2004 by former Town Manager Alan Gove, more money is needed.

Already the path length has been cut back and will be three-quarters of a mile and 10 feet wide. Originally the path was to go from Bridge Street to Shuy Corner at the intersection of routes 17 and 133. Now, it will start behind the police station at the beginning of Foundry Road and run to near the boat launch on that road.

Puckett also told selectmen a barrier will need to be erected to separate vehicle traffic from pedestrians and bicyclists for safety reasons.

In another recreation matter, Selectmen Chairwoman Jackie Knight brought up expanding the skate park to accommodate more youths.

Knight, also the president of the Livermore Falls Downtown Betterment Group, said she collected surveys during History Night and many of them were from skateboarders who would like to see the park bigger and include more jumps and rails.

Knight said she would like to start by setting up a meeting with the youths to hear their ideas and then progress to a cleanup day and doing some painting.

She checked online for costs of the equipment for the park and said the prices were “just outrageous.”

Some parents of children who use the park are capable and willing to help make the equipment for the park, Knight said. They feel if they have the plans, they’ll be able to make them for less.

Parent Bob Mills of Livermore Falls said the kids are looking for more rails and a half-pipe, if there’s room.

“I think they’re getting bored” with what’s there, Mills said.

The park, which cost more than $35,000, was built by people who raised money to match a grant they received with Gove’s help.

Selectman Ernie Souther said when he was in Wyoming, there was a skateboard rodeo put on as a fundraiser. He suggested maybe one could be held in Livermore Falls to help raise money to refurbish the park.

Knight said she has checked with a local lumber yard, and it would be willing to work with people on the community project.

Selectman Melanie Rounds suggested that grants or donations also be sought from large companies outside the town.